Profile Name: America Online FlashNews Hoax
Aliases: AOL4FREE -- THIS IS a virus, see below
Variants: AOL4FREE virus
Date Added: 22nd. January 1999
Further Information: Real virus detected 20th. January 2000
Origin: Not available
Length: Not available
Type: Hoax
SubType: E-mail
Risk Assessment: Low
Characteristics: This is NOT
an actual virus. Below is a copy of the actual text which was circulated :
QUOTE:
Dear AOL Community Member:
AOL is experiencing major problems, due to a virus that
was recently loaded onto our main user database, containing most of our
member registration information. We are currently experiencing widespread
system failure. The problem originated when our system was illegally breached
by a former AOL employee. We believe the employee, who is currently being
questioned by authorities, loaded a virus into our database. Because we
identified the problem quickly, we were able to stop the problem before
the entire database was deleted. The files that were deleted, however,
happened to be the database link files that link a user's password and
screen name to the rest of their account. We are currently working with
McAfee Associates (Anti-Virus), to replace the lost files. Some of the
effects as a result
of not having the database link files include: random
log-off's, AOLnet runs slower, and Email may accidentally be deleted. These
problems are MAJOR inconveniences to our users, so we need your help to
fix the problem. In order to fix this problem, we need you, the America
Online User to click on `Reply' and enter in your log-on password in order
to have these problems fixed. Thank you for your consideration and continue
to enjoy America Online!
If you have any questions, please discuss them with your contact at AOL.
Thank you.
Steve Case
END OF QUOTE
Symptoms: Not Available...
Method Of Infection: Not Available...
Removal Instructions: Not Available...
AOL4FREE.COM TROJAN HORSE
Since the emergence of the AOL4FREE virus hoax there have been confirmed reports of an
AOL4FREE Trojan Horse. A Trojan Horse is different than a virus as it is
destructive but does not replicate itself. Anyone receiving a file named
AOL4FREE.COM should be cautious. It may even come attached to the
AOL4FREE hoax message. This file should not be executed, just deleted.
DISCLAIMER:
The information in this bulletin is provided "AS IS" without warranty
of any kind. In no event shall we be liable for any damages whatsoever
including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business
profits or special damages.
We thank you ALL for your kind votes which made this site FIRST in two categories.
A 10 vote = Very Good
A 1 vote = Waste of cyber Space !
ALL those sending emails of thanks are kindly requested to indicate whether these are for publication.
©ALL MATERIAL IS PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAWS AND MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WHATSOEVER WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE WEBMASTER.
191299/110101/130101/211201/271103/110904
